About the Role
The Feller Buncher Operator uses highly mechanized forestry equipment to select and assist in the manufacturing of trees into the desired length, grade and yield. This position interacts primarily with the Harvester operator, Forwarder Operator, Supervisor, Truck Drivers, Foresters and Log Yard staff.
Essential Function / Duties
- Safely and efficiently operate 2020 Tigercat 822D or equivalent.
- Select trees to be cut by understanding the harvest specification guidelines.
- Manufacture products in a safe and appropriate area
- Safely and skillfully manufacture and maneuver machines in all forest terrain/slopes.
- Control machine operation using a combination of joysticks, buttons, pedals, and levers.
- Communicate machine location and tree movement activities using a CB or 2-way radio or phone.
- Operate other equipment as needed. Including but not limited to, bulldozers, forwarders, harvesters and chainsaws.
- Conduct operations in accordance with company, state, and federal environmental standards and laws.
- Detect and eliminate or minimize safety hazards
- Maintain contact with pedestrians, foresters, forwarder and log trucks hauling in the area for a safe and effective passage
- Perform pre- and post-routine equipment inspections and report safety issues and/or needed repairs to supervisor
- Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs to equipment and keep the equipment clean inside and out
- Maintain spill kit on site; clean up and report any spills according to procedures
- Maintain maintenance logs on equipment
- Utilization of computers, printers, GPS, smart phones and mapping software
- Ordering of parts and understanding of the owner’s manuals
- Utilization of all PPE gear provided by the company
- Understanding and utilization of the lookout-tagout safety system
- Participate in all safety meetings and follow safety procedures
- Substitute for coworkers as needed
- Other duties as defined by supervisor
*This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all the essential functions
Work Schedule / Supervision
Position: Full-time
Position Status: Non-exempt: without compensation and without notice
Recommended Education / Experience
Education: High school graduate or GED
Experience: 3+ years’ experience operating logging equipment such as harvester or forwarder, understanding of timber species and products, knowledge of principles/practices of environmental regulations, mechanical and safety aptitude and ability to perform regular maintenance
Expected Behaviors / Qualities
Excellent physical health and stamina; significant physical strength; climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and handling of materials; use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; some walking on sloping forest terrain; make judgements and decisions; working according to standards and procedures
Other
no record of criminal convictions which may be deemed to disqualify the person from employment (consideration of nature of the crime, date of conviction and final disposition will be determinative); valid Michigan driver’s license; reliable transportation.
